Fabio Wardley triggers clause for Daniel Dubois rematch

Fabio Wardley has reportedly opted to exercise his rematch clause with Daniel Dubois.

Wardley suffered the first defeat of his career when he dropped his WBO heavyweight title to Dubois last weekend.

The Ipswich-born knockout artist started strongly at the Co-op live in Manchester, putting Dubois on the canvas with an overhand right just seconds after the fight got underway.

The challenger recovered impressively and took the second round but Wardley again seized the initiative in the third, scoring a second knockdown and pouring on the pressure.

Dubois was ultimately able to weather the storm, and took control of the contest as the fight progressed, finding a consistent home for his jab as Wardley continued searching for a knockout blow.

As the fight wore on Wardley took an increasing amount of punishment, and the doctor was called in on several occasions to inspect his right eye that was almost entirely swollen shut.

The bout ultimately came to an end shortly after the 11th round got underway, with referee Howard Foster stepping in to prevent Wardley taking any further punishment.

Speaking after the all-British classic Queensberry Promotions chief Frank Warren revealed that Wardley had a clause in his contract to trigger an immediate rematch between the pair.

It appears that Wardley has wasted little time in determining his future plans, as Sky Sports reported on Friday that he has exercised the clause.

The pair will likely meet inside the ring at the tail end of the year, with the heavyweight showdown expected to be again hosted in the UK.

"The boxing world knows my character, and Saturday night proved that without a shred of doubt." Wardley told Sky Sports.

"It was a fight for the ages, but I made some mistakes that I will rectify in the rematch.

"Congratulations to Daniel, but I'm coming for you… and my belt!"